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About The Wilderness Institute

Founded in 1984 by Brad Childs, The Wilderness Institute was grounded in a unique blend of practice and research. Brad’s master’s thesis confirmed what his participants felt firsthand—that true personal growth comes from facing authentic challenges in nature, far outside the comfort of the classroom.

Founded in 1984 by Brad Childs, The Wilderness Institute was grounded in a unique blend of practice and research. Brad’s master’s thesis confirmed what his participants felt firsthand—that true personal growth comes from facing authentic challenges in nature, far outside the comfort of the classroom.

Getting started

It started with a simple belief that nature has the power to transform lives. In 1984, Brad Childs founded The Wilderness Institute as a grassroots nonprofit with a mission to promote wilderness education, training, and advocacy. Brad’s approach wove together wilderness skills, environmental education, and personal development in ways that created lasting change. Early programs included natural and cultural history courses, backcountry skills, mountaineering, and aquatic sports, all designed around the principle that real growth happens when people step outside their comfort zones.

By 1985, the Institute was hosting the first annual Wilderness Fair, drawing over 2,000 people to celebrate outdoor adventure and environmental awareness. That same year, the “Wheel to the Sea” event began, serving people with physical disabilities and eventually growing to include over 400 wheelchair participants and volunteers annually. These weren’t just programs—they were expressions of a core belief that wilderness experiences should be accessible to everyone.

Expanding impact

The late 1980s brought the development of adventure ropes courses and corporate team-building programs, with the T.L.C. Executive Experience seminars pioneering new approaches to experiential learning in business settings. The Institute also expanded into comprehensive youth services, creating specialized programs for at-risk teens that combined outdoor challenges with family involvement and community support.

As the organization grew, so did its reach. Mobile programs brought adventure education to communities throughout California. The Wilderness Institute became one of the first providers of ropes course construction and training services in the state, building over 30 courses and training hundreds of instructors. Environmental advocacy became integral to the mission, with efforts to preserve wilderness areas like Cheeseboro Canyon from development.

Across the West, Santa Fe bound

From the Santa Monica Mountains to Northern California’s Sierra Nevada region, from Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Front Range to finally settling in New Mexico’s high desert, The Wilderness Institute adapted to different landscapes while maintaining its core purpose. Each location brought new opportunities—ski centers in the mountains, aquatic programs at lakes, indoor climbing facilities during transitional periods, but the heart remained the same—helping people discover their potential through authentic experiences in nature.

The numbers tell part of the story. Over 100,000 participants, hundreds of organizations served, and countless lives changed. But the real story lies in the moments of breakthrough—the corporate team that learns to truly trust each other on a high ropes course, the family that bonds during a wilderness adventure, the individual who discovers capabilities they never knew they had. From youth at risk to Fortune 500 executives, Brad’s vision of using nature as a classroom for life has touched people from all walks of life. 

Our guiding principles

  • Environmental stewardship
  • Community building
  • Empowerment
  • Outdoor saftey
  • Outdoor skill development
  • Therapeutic nature experiences
  • Self discovery through adventure

Brad Childs, founder

Brad founded The Wilderness Institute in 1984 with a vision to help people discover their potential through authentic outdoor experiences. His master’s thesis from California State University, Northridge, where research proved how outdoor challenges fundamentally shift people’s sense of personal control and capability. A certified clinical hypnotherapist and lifelong educator, Brad brings over 40 years of wilderness expertise to every program. His credentials span from National Park Service ranger and wildland firefighter to certified instructor in everything from rock climbing and wilderness first aid to archery and survival skills.

When not leading adventures, Brad lives at Santa Fe Treehouse Camp with his life partner Ciana and their two dogs, still as passionate about connecting people with nature as he was four decades ago. See credentials and awards

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Tree House Camp waiver

Complete the form below and submit it online or print for later

In consideration of the services of Santa Fe Tree House Camp or The Wilderness Institute, their agents, owners, officers, volunteers, participants, employees, and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf (hereinafter collectively referred to as “SFTHC”, “WI”), I hereby agree to release, indemnify, and discharge SFTHC, WI, on behalf of myself, my spouse, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate as follows:
    1. I acknowledge that hiking and other outdoor activities and camping entail known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity.

      The risks include, among other things: contact with wild animals, hiking and exposure to the elements; the hazards of walking on uneven terrain and slips and falls; debris, rocks and cliffs and other obstacles whether obvious or not and whether man made or natural; the risks of exposure to insect bites, dog bites; the risk of cold or heat related illnesses, high altitude sickness; hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, sunburn or other burns, broken bones, paralysis; my own physical condition, the physical exertion associated with this activity; mental or emotional trauma, concussions, abrasions, wounds or other injury, damage, death or loss.

      Furthermore, SFTHC employees have difficult jobs to perform. They seek safety, but they are not infallible. They might be unaware of a camper's fitness or abilities. They might misjudge the weather or other environmental conditions. They may give incomplete warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might malfunction.
    2. I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks.
    3. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless SFTHC and WI from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of SFTHC’s equipment or facilities or land, including any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of SFTHC and WI.
    4. Should SFTHC or WI or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.
    5. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I am willing to assume the risk of any medical or physical condition I may have.
    6. In the event that I file a lawsuit against SFTHC or WI, I agree to do so solely in the state of New Mexico, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rules of that state. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.
  
In addition, I agree to pay the cost of repairing any damage to property caused by me, my animals or by minors in my care. I give permission for camp to use photos of me or my family taken on the property for marketing and promotion. Parent's or Guardian's Additional Indemnification In consideration of all minors under the care of this parent or guardian engaging in activities at the camp and to use its equipment, facilities, and/or land, I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless SFTHC and WI from any and all Claims which are brought by, or on behalf of any such minor, and which are in any way connected with such use or participation by this/these minors. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against SFTHC or The Wilderness Institute on the basis of any claim from which I have released herein. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms. I have read a copy of, and commit to abide by, the rules of day use and/or overnight use of the Santa Fe Tree House Camp, its facilities, and land.

Recycling/Trash/Composting
Help us be sustainable by utilizing the labeled recycling bins and composting all food waste. Dispose of all trash in designated trash bins (at the outdoor cooking shelter on the Pegasus Village side) or take it with you.

Smoking
No smoking allowed anytime or anywhere on the property.

Fires
Special permission to make a campfire is required and only when current conditions and Santa Fe County and US Forest Service allow. Always ask for current fire restrictions. Never have a fire if it is windy.
Campfire Rules:

  1. When permitted, campfires are allowed only in the designated Campfire Pits.
  2. Fires must be attended to at all times
  3. Fires must be extinguished completely with water and stirred with a shovel before leaving the fire area. (Water and shovel (painted red) are conveniently located at the designated fire pits.)
  4. Old ashes can be placed and covered in the red Ash Cans if fire pit is full.
  5. You may gather fallen/dead branches for use as firewood.

Children
Supervise at all times. Pick up camp balls/toys/games and put them away after use.

Pets
Pets are allowed on controlled leash only. Please pick up after your pet and place bagged waste in designated trash containers. (Pet fee $10/per animal/per day). You are responsible for any damage caused by your pets to persons or property.

Noise
Sound can carry very far down the canyons (Quiet hours 10pm-8am)

Birdbath Bathhouse
Flush toilets and showers are available. Clean hair out of the drains and dispose of trash in receptacles. Please use responsibly and consider the next person’s experience.

Outdoor Cooking Shelter
No animals allowed in kitchen or dining area. Dogs ok on patio deck. Wipe up your table and floors or any spills. Wash, dry and put away all items after use.

Wild Animals
While we have not often seen any bears or mountain lions or coyote in camp, they do exist in the region, as do other smaller critters. Please store food safely in your vehicle or in secure containers. Please mark your food with your name and take all food with you when you leave. No food or drinks other than water in the treehouses please.

Hiking
Please be mindful of your route and carry a signal whistle, flashlight, water and first aid kit. Cell phones may not get reception so know your route. Remain on trails to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Let us know where/when you plan to hike and when you return.

Prohibited Anywhere On Camp Land
NO unauthorized flying of drones, Firearms, weapons, fireworks, candles, and any out of control or belligerent behavior. Responsible consumption of alcohol for people 21 years and older allowed. We will cooperate with local law enforcement regarding any illegal activities. NO illegal downloading of movies or music allowed on our WIFI. (You will be tracked and reported).

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Brad Childs credentials

Education

California State University, Northridge
Master’s Degree thesis in Recreational and Leisure Studies

Behavioral Science Centers, Hypnosis Motivation Institute
Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy

University of California (UCLA)
California Department of Education Adult Education Teaching Credential

Michigan State University
B.S. Parks and Recreation Resources

Certifications

Emergency response & safety

  • National Park Service Ranger (former)
  • Wildland Firefighter/EMT
  • American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Instructor
  • Water Safety Instructor/Life Guard Trainer
  • Mountain Rescue Team Member (Placer County Sheriff)
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
  • International Critical Incident Stress Foundation Provider

Outdoor Leadership & Instruction

  • Challenge Ropes Course Facilitator Trainer
  • Rock Climbing Instructor Trainer
  • USA Olympic Archery Instructor Trainer
  • Wilderness Survival Instructor
  • Whitewater River Guide
  • Colorado Hunter Education Instructor
  • Nordic Skiing and Snowshoe Instructor

Professional Development & Coaching

  • Coaches Training Institute Graduate
  • Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
  • Qualified Personal Strengths Trainer (SDI)
  • Certified Practitioner of NLP
  • Institute of Cultural Affairs Group Facilitation
  • Crisis Intervention and Stress Management Provider
Leadership and community involvement

Environmental Leadership

  • Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Board Member
  • California Sustainable Tourism Symposium Contributor
  • National Geographic Sierra Nevada GeoTourism MapGuide Contributor
  • Outdoor Industry Foundation, Business for Wilderness Contributor

Business and Tourism Leadership

  • Placer County Visitor Council Board Treasurer
  • Sierra North (NorCal Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance) Founding President
  • Multiple Chamber of Commerce Executive Director positions
  • Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Grant Writer/Committee Chair
Speaking and presentations (partial list)

Loyola Marymount University, School of Business
Executive MBA Leadership Seminar Instructor

Association for Challenge Course Technology International Conference
Crisis Management and Intervention Workshop Presenter

American Camp Association Regional Conferences
Outdoor Skills and Safety, Crisis Management Workshop Presenter

California Department of Education
Outdoor Recreation and Eco-Tourism Presenter

American Society of Training and Development
Adventure-Based Experiential Learning Workshop Presenter

Sunset Magazine Travel “Taste of Sunset Tourism Trade Show”
Eco-Tourism Presenter

Publications and media

Authorship

  • Team-Building and Leadership Challenge training manual
  • Co-author: State of California Outdoor Recreation Performance Standards
  • Executive Editor: Wilderness Guide publication
  • Articles on eco-tourism and outdoor safety for numerous publications

Media credits

  • “California Outdoors” Whitewater Rafting (California Tourism Council/NBC TV)
  • “The Coleman Guide to Camping” Naturalist (with Bruce Jenner)
  • “Rock Climbing” Celebrity/Talent Training (Lonely Planet Productions)
  • “Zig Zag Show” Yosemite Rock Climbing (Tokyo Broadcasting/Sony Television)
  • Multiple corporate training and outdoor adventure productions
Awards

National Park Service Unit Award
Executive MBA Leadership Seminar Instructor

National Environmental Education Award
National Association of Resource Conservation Districts

Golden Eagle Award
Outstanding contribution to The Wilderness Institute

LA County Recognition
Commitment towards facilitating and promoting equality for people with disabilities 

CSU Northridge Scholastic Achievement Honors
Outstanding Department Graduate Scholarship (two consecutive years)